FDJ’s Pierrick Fédrigo opts out of 2011 Tour de France

Pierrick Fédrigo, a three-time Tour de France stage-winner, told his bosses at FDJ he’s not up to racing this year’s grande boucle.

Fédrigo said he’s in no shape for the rigors of the Tour and opted out after eight consecutive Tour starts.

“(Mark Madiot) asked me what I wanted to do. I told him I did not want to go,” Fédrigo told Ouest France. “I need a vacation. I am in the bottom of a hole. I need to rest and take care of myself.”

The 32-year-old has had a less-than-stellar season after a big-money switch from Bbox to FDJ. Despite a handful of top-five finishes, Fédrigo has not won a race this year and has suffered health problems.

“Going to the Tour when you’re not in top condition isn’t good for anyone,” he said. “I hope to be back in good condition by November, so all I can do is start from scratch for next season.”

FDJ will also start the Tour without its leading sprinter, Yauheni Hutarovich, who is still recovering from appendicitis.